You Are a Badass is a self-help book by success coach Jen Sincero, published in 2013. Sincero uses casual, blunt language to argue that our failures and obstacles are all in our heads and that success is often just a matter of identifying and eliminating those destructive behaviors.

Sincero opens with a brief introduction in which she recounts her own history of being unaware of her self-sabotage even as she dealt with plenty of setbacks and failures. She states that the book is not an attempt to make money but rather to share the wisdom she accrued over the years dealing with her own problems. She warns that following the advice in the book will require going outside your comfort zone.

Sincero then dives into the meat of her book, arguing that our subconscious mind is much more important than we usually realize. Despite being more or less totally unaware of what’s going on in our subconscious, Sincero states that our subconscious is like a blueprint for our lives, containing all of the beliefs guiding our decisions. If we’re out of touch with our subconscious mind, then we’re being controlled by it.

Sincero then states that the key to a more joyful and purposeful life is being in the moment and aware of what’s happening inside and outside yourself. Forcing yourself to be conscious of what’s happening will lead to being open to new experiences and ideas.

Sincero advises us to be aware of our ego and distrust it. For Sincero, our ego is a defence mechanism born out of insecurity about our place in the universe. It acts to disparage the amazing things around us, so we don’t have to feel smaller and less unique in comparison. Your true self is a superhero,’ based on love and joy and open to the universe’s experiences, while your ego is usually just in the way. Sincero offers simple steps to get past your own ego:

• Stop at nothing.
• Have faith in yourself.
• Stay the course.
• Believe that you are fantastic.

Another aspect of being a badass is to get over self sabotage.  Sincero advises that we recognize when we’re holding onto negative things due to insecurity and fear, constructing a negative reality. Recognizing this will allow you to release those negative things and build a positive reality. Sincero notes that the people we gather around ourselves usually reflect our desires, fears, and dreams, so seeking beauty and joy in others will remember that back at you.

Sincero then argues that often what makes us unhappy is indecision. She instructs you to commit to choosing a course and sticking with it, no matter the fear. She notes that this will often involve spending money, which is scary to people, but this sacrifice is worth it. Spend the money and follow your dreams, and you will be happier. She warns that it’s possible to commit and spend the money but then baulks at the final follow-through and wind up with nothing to show for your efforts. You have to be willing to push all the way to follow your dreams.

Sincero ends with some parting advice: Give yourself permission and the means to be who you are.

This is a must-read. We encourage you to get the complete book and read more about it. This book is sure to leave no stone unturned regarding the question you might have. 

 

Happy reading!